Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The Child Development Center (CDC) is a unique and valuable resource for Bakersfield
College students and the community. Located on the north side of the Panorama campus,
the CDC helps BC student parents achieve their academic goals by providing childcare
services while they attend classes, study for exams, work on final projects, etc.
However, the services they offer go beyond providing just a safe space for kids to
play, the CDC staff incorporate intentional educational opportunities into their daily
activities – so children are learning while having fun.
Sandra Harrington, or Miss Sandy as she is known to the kids, is one of the teachers
at the CDC. She was excited to talk about what the teachers do each day to help the
children learn and grow. “We try to help the children integrate and learn in a hands-on
way,” she said, “the teachers use their creativity to help the kids ‘learn as they
play’ – that is our philosophy.” The teachers get ideas from the students for themes
that they rotate every several weeks. The current theme is outer space, and the teachers
collaborate together to incorporate the theme into the lesson plans. “We brainstorm
with the kids and ask them, ‘What do you want to learn about?’ and that’s where we
get the ideas for our themes,” says Miss Sandy, “we believe in collaboration, communication
and teamwork.”
Throughout each classroom there were space themed toys, games, art projects, crafts
and more. The children get to express their creativity through various activities
like creating space-themed art with painted handprints or recreating the surface of
the moon with building blocks. “The teachers give them the opportunity to create something
on their own, “says Miss Sandy, “and the kids respond very positively to it.” Each
day, the children are learning about stars, planets, rockets, astronauts, and all
things outer space. There are also several space-themed games available that incorporate
numbers and letters which add an element of learning when played.
The CDC also features an expansive outdoor area where kids can run and play, but it
also serves as an outdoor classroom where kids can learn about agriculture, insects,
science, animals and more. “The outdoor space provides the opportunity to build their
gross motor skills,” says Miss Sandy, “they get to dance, jump, run, and play in the
sandbox. It is a great way to help the kids get their wiggles out. The children are
entertained and having fun, but in an educational way.” The outdoor environment also
features a variety of activity boxes that encourage the development of fine motor
skills through purposeful hand use and manipulation. This includes scissors, viewfinders,
blocks, toy insects, and more.
Rosita Baron, Program Director of the Child Development Center, talked about the services
they provide. “We are not just a childcare center, we are a child development center
– with education in mind,” she says, “we provide learning opportunities through play.
That’s basically what are philosophy is.” Through partnerships and sponsors, the CDC
also provides a variety of services that benefit the children and their parents, including
breakfast, lunch and snacks for children, dental services, a mobile clinic, tutoring,
and more. “We are trying to be a one-stop shop for BC students and their children,”
she says, “through our many services, our students don’t have to miss classes and
have time to study, go the library, and participate in other academic activities.”
The CDC also has its own tutoring center with desktop computers, microwaves, and other
resources for student parents.
Bakersfield College’s Child Development Center is a special program that contributes
to student success by giving BC student parents the opportunity to pursue their academic
goals while their child participates in an amazing educational program. Their child
is not only provided with a safe space to play but are given specific curriculum and
activities that stimulate the mind while building a foundation for future success
in kindergarten, grade school and beyond. The directors and staff at the CDC all work
together to provide an incredible and creative environment where kids can express
themselves, learn, grow, and participate in a wide variety of games and activities.
A big thank you to Rosita Baron and her dedicated staff for providing this service
for our current Renegades, and our future Renegades.
